The Empire Wrockers.

Manawatu Times, Volume LXIV, Issue 104, 6 May 1907, Page 5

The Empire Wrockers.

Making Political Capital. Received May 5, 4.40 p.m. London, May 4. Mr Balfour, spoaking to the Primroso League at Albert Hall asKed who, reading Mr Asquith's Budget Speech could say that the fiscal system is satisfactory ? Who after the Colonial Premiers could say that the feelings of the colonies were more transitory emotion ? The only remedy for lessening tho fiscal burden of Imperial defence and carrying social reform was extending the basis of taxation. The existing duties on articles iu largo consumption were from an ad valorem standpoint of preposterous magnitude. What was wanted was small duties on articles in large consumption which would thus yield large revenue without serious dislocation of trade or laying a serious burden on the consumer. When adopted the system should be used to meet the desires of every dependency, strengthening the bonds and bring us together on a .commercial basis. He had nc doubt the policy of preference would be ultimately adopted by Britain, but he thought that when adopted it would be less advantageous than if Government had not turned a deaf ear to the Colonial Premiers' proposals. Banging the door in their faces was a most foolish form of Imperial statesmanship. The whole spirit of Government and their action in every part, if not inconsistent with the maintenance of the Empire, must drain it of vital force and strength.